1985 Buick Regal Problems
- Complaints
- 9filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 8campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl RWD · 16 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Buick Regal (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1985 Buick Regal. The part named most often is brakes, with 3 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling (3) and electrical system (1). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes3 33%
- Engine cooling3 33%
- Electrical system1 11%
- Steering1 11%
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Carbon manoxide is getting into passenger's compartment when heat is in use. Dealer has been contacted. Due to design defect carbon monoxide enters passenger and driver compartment when heat is turned on. Specifically, carbon monoxide enters at the point where the heater hose is connected to the heater core.”
NHTSA complaint #875970, filed 2000-12Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Buick Regal version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Regal RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Regal RWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $4,550 |
| Regal RWD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Regal RWD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Regal RWD | 4.3L 6-cyl · diesel | 3-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 23 | $4,150 |
| Regal RWD | 5.7L 8-cyl · diesel | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 26 | 21 | $4,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 88V014000Jan 8, 1988Exterior lighting › Headlights › SwitchCovers: Buick Regal 1985–1986, Skylark 1986
Under extended headlamp usage, circuitry in the headlamp switch panel might experience increased resistance and excessive heat buildup.
- 87V124000Aug 10, 1987Body and structureCovers: Buick Regal 1985–1986, Oldsmobile Calais 1985–1986, Pontiac Grand AM 1985–1986
Small cracks may develop in the body pillar around the door striker bolt hole.
- 86V030000Feb 21, 1986Vehicle speed control › SpringsCovers: Buick Regal 1985, Oldsmobile Calais 1985, Pontiac Grand AM 1985
The throttle return spring assembly may fail preventing the throttle from returning to the closed (idle) position when the accelerator pedal is released. Consequence of defect: engine speed may not decrease and loss of accelerator control could result in an…
- 85V114000Sep 19, 1985Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Buick Regal 1985
The certification label located on the left front door did not include a required federal certification statement. Consequence of defect: vehicles do not comply with federal regulation 567.
- 85V049000Apr 29, 1985Structure › Body › BumpersCovers: Buick Regal 1984–1985
The rear bumper may fracture during a rear end collision, puncture the fuel tank, and cause a fuel leak. Consequence of defect: a fuel leak creates the potential for a fire which could result in burn injuries to persons in or near the car.
- 85V047000Apr 26, 1985Visibility › WindshieldCovers: Buick Regal 1985, Oldsmobile Calais 1985
A loss of bonding adhesion between the paint and the windshield opening area could allow the windshield to separate during a 30 mile per hour frontal barrier test required by fmvss 212, windshield retention. Consequence of defect: windshield separation…
See all 8 recalls for the 1985 Buick Regal → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE90014Cruise control failureClosed · Oct 31, 1989
- PE89145Parking brake cableClosed · Jul 21, 1989
- PE89104Jammed steering mechanismClosed · Mar 17, 1989
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Buick Regal.
Other model years of the Buick Regal
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20 | 30,000 | 3 | — | 26 | — | Rising |
| 2018 | 19 | 22,000 | 3 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 2017 | 20 | 73,254 | 0 | 5 | 24 | — | Falling |
| 2016 | 41 | 27,000 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 33 | 29,750 | 0 | 5 | 24 | 6 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 38 | 48,864 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 21 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2013 | 91 | 58,000 | 6 | 5 | 23 | 66 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 92 | 59,527 | 7 | 5 | 22 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 280 | 66,900 | 4 | — | 23 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2004 | 66 | 90,963 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 101 | 96,258 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 117 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 187 | 91,500 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 184 | 95,804 | 8 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 246 | 89,000 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 302 | 92,000 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 136 | 105,771 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 204 | 87,500 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 173 | 89,659 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 110 | 96,472 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 85 | 75,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 144 | 109,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 200 | 94,210 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 77 | 125,538 | 8 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 106 | 80,000 | 7 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 123 | 86,000 | 10 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 25 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 12 | — | 4 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 9 | — | 8 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 6 | — | 4 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
All Buick Regal model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Buick Regal have?
NHTSA recorded 9 consumer complaints for the 1985 Buick Regal as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Buick Regal is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 3 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 3.
Has the 1985 Buick Regal been recalled?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Buick Regal get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Buick Regal (Regal, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.